Vieux Carré, Québec City, Québec: Meet The Bartender
We sat down with Executive Bartender and Co-Owner Philippe Veilleux of Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec. Situated in the Place de Paris district — Le Vieux-Carré, a name inspired by Philippe's favorite cocktail and for which he has built a reputation as a mixologist in the Metropolis. It is also a tribute to the French-speaking neighborhood of Louisiana where this iconic cocktail was born.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
A stone's throw from Place-Royale and Petit Champlain — stop into Vieux Carré tp enjoy handcrafted, vintage cocktails and small bites in an intimate and warm atmosphere.
1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Most mornings, I try to jump into an ice bath immediately upon waking up followed by a nice warm shower. I make my AG1 vitamin supplement and head to the restaurants.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
I like to finish my day with the occasional sauna, or a Vieux Carré and a cubano sandwich at Vieux Carré, our new cocktail bar.
2. Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
My team's achievements are what I am most proud of.
3. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
My favorite chef is probably Matty Matheson, his playful and laid back approach to cooking and entertaining demeanor really helps democratise our industry. I do not believe I am best suited to be giving advice to aspiring chefs, but if I had to, I would say to continuously be learning.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
4. What do you typically cook at home?
Simple, vegetable forward dishes that can be easily reheated.
5. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Smaller specialised menus, as it creates more diversity between establishments and higher quality dishes as people are more specialised in their crafts.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
6. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
I am relatively open minded when it comes to food, so it is hard for me to think of a food combination that I would characterize as strange, but one that I got looked at funny was when I added honey and chili oil in my gribiche sauce to go with some fried chicken. It was excellent.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
7. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I have bartended for several celebrities when I worked at the Ritz-Carlton, I am not one for story telling though.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
8. What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
They are @philippe_veilleux, @vieuxcarreqc.
9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
My version of a Vieux Carré, available at our new cocktail bar of the same name. I also thoroughly enjoy a Negroni with Tequila instead of gin.
10. Tell our readers why they should visit Vieux Carré in Québec City?
For a local twist on classics, a playful and laid back vibe and good eats.
Image: Vieux Carré in Québec City, Québec
